Couple of Post-Test-Drive Questions

rancar · May 20, 2003

As a JD 4710 owner, I offer the following thoughts to your numbered queries:

1. My gut says there are more than 3% of JD buyers who purchase eHydro. I read and hear of too many people interested in the hydro trannies for me to believe 3% is accurate...just not so.

2. Forward and backward pedals work just fine....just like driving a car with automatic transmission.

3. N/A on the eHydro

4. Don't know since I've never test driven Kubotas. The range lever on JD has 3 speeds....A, B, and C, each designed to offer the operator varying speeds in combo with I think engine torque depending upon operating and terrain conditions.

5. Yes, I had this whine and this problem was corrected for me just last week by my dealer per the service bulletin directives. Yes, the whine has disappeared. I've run the tractor a few hours since the correction and no problem.

6. I've not experienced any problems with eHydro for me to regret purchasing my 4710 with this tranny type. In fact, I prefer this over PowerReverser since it is a real pleasure when doing a lot of FEL or rake work that requires frequent back and forth movement.

7. eHydro was actually an improvement over the HST in the 4x00 series tractors using additional electronic controls and sensors. HOW long....who's to say? Geared trannies have been around as long as tractors have been around. Hydros in comparison are relatively new inventions. It's difficult to do this comparison test. If, however, one uses cars and trucks as an example, why wouldn't they last just as long?

...Bob

rockyridgefarm · May 20, 2003

I have worked with enough businesses to know the guy probably BELEIVES 3% go HST. But they are off the cuff numbers. Run a sales report, and he'll be more shocked than anyone. It is amazing what we can convince ourselves, especially if we need to sell something, get an extra spiff, make a quota, or prove our opinion as right.

So, please, buy an HST, so I feel better about mine. Just kidding. I really don't care what you do. I love mine no matter what.

SLOBuds · May 20, 2003

I drove both, and I really don't understand his remarks at all. It was definitely much easier and intuitive for me to drive that tractor. Less knobs. Less levers. More time to focus on what needs to be done with the tool.

Thanks for your remarks.

hazmat · May 21, 2003

<font color="blue"> And when my wife watched me fiddling with all of the gears this weekend, she said 'I want one with an automatic transmission!'
</font>

Then you don't need to even worry about it. It's no longer your choice /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

butzkeg · May 21, 2003

3% certainly doesn't sound right, but at his dealership, he may sell a much larger amount of geared tractors for some reason. I suppose he may be trying to unload some geared models too, or he may just be an idiot. It's hard to say. My dealer, I believe the largest in Michigan, says they sell mostly hydro CUT's.

Personally, I think 2 hydro pedals are great. I test drove the rocker pedal models and couldn't stand it. I'm used to using the ball of my foot to drive cars and trucks, not my heel. It was a very natural feel with 2 pedals. Plus, you get use of the turning brakes on the JD because of the pedal setups. The turning brakes are for looks on the other brands. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Not sure on the geared thing. Tried a geared CUT for a day before, and it worked fine. However, after my hydro I could never go back. I would get too frustrated with the trans.

It seems most hydro trannies have a whine. The higher ranges along with faster speeds make more whine. From what the others are saying though, there is a fix for it being too pronounced.

I've had more people say that hydro's are longer lasting/more durable than geared. As I only have 200 hours on mine, I can't say one way or the other. If I made an uneducated guess (all I can make with trannies), I'd say they are equal. Why would their durability be any different? If there were a huge advantage of one over the other, wouldn't the word be out to stay away from the less durable one? I mean if there were really a pronounced difference. Take care of either one, and they should last a long, long time.

joeblack · May 21, 2003

I would have to agree with the group. I just completed the same comparisions and it ended with the purchase of a 4310 eHydro. I drove the 4710 as well and it seemed to benefit from the option but was larger than what I needed. I'm sure there are applications that would benefit from the sync-shuttle or power reverser but for my primary mowing needs and loader work, the eHydro was the clear choice. It's not only working in the field but pulling into a crowded garage or backing in to pick up your finish mower where the hydro really shines. Regarding the power issue, I did not get to mow with both on my hills so I can't say what the gain/loss might be but I'm using a 72" RFM on a significant grade and except for adjusting my ground speed, I don't have any problems motoring up the hill @2,600 RPM in range B. For practical purposes the ehydro was the choice for me and after each use I'm happy with the decision. I would mention if you do get the eHydro to spend the extra $60.00 on the automotive cruise control upgrade...if you do any mowing in open places the resume feature is worth the small cost. Regarding durability, I think if you maintain it properly it will last as long as any other transmission type...if the original design is good the rest comes down to proper maintenance.

Good luck with your decision.

Anonymous Poster · May 21, 2003

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( pulling into a crowded garage or backing in to pick up your finish mower where the hydro really shines.

I park my 4410 with 72 MMM in a 73 inch space and the eHydro lets me crawl into that spot. The same for backing up to pick up the back hoe or a 3ph attachment.I also like the 2 pedals it is more natural to use the ball of my foot. I have after a few hours on the seat gotten into my car and tried to find the reverse pedal /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

SLOBuds · May 22, 2003

Thanks for everyone's excellent feedback.

Done a lot of reading here on TbN regarding the hydro question. I'm just going to chalk that up to 1 salesman who has 1 opinion, and possibly some local usage patterns in Santa Maria. I like the hydro myself and will go that way.

I did have a silly 'ah haa' experience this morning. Regardless of how many times you read it here on TbN, it just doesn't seem to sink in that many of these tractors are alomst identical in quality and value. I now (very much) agree with all who say 'drive it and pick the one you personally like.'

There are differences in ergonomics between the Kubota and JD. Quality and price and service are essentially identical. The Kubota owners here on TbN are thrilled with their machines. The John Deere owners here on TbN are thrilled with their machines.

Heck, I even like both of the paint schemes and logos equally well! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

So I plan to drive both again, narrowed to hydros, and pay close attention to how the machine feels under me. I'm going to see if I have any particularly stong thoughts about using toe/heel versus 2 pedals on the hydros. Even on that topic it looks like personal preference. So I'll look at that and I'll focus on other smaller things like where my knees end up as I do various actions, arm reach, visibility, etc.

Thanks again.